Understanding ‘Loss of Consortium’ in an Arizona Car Accident Claim

When a serious car accident happens, the injuries don’t just affect the victim. Spouses and family members often experience their own losses — emotional, physical, and financial. Arizona law recognizes this harm through a claim known as “loss of consortium.”

At Big Auto Accident Attorneys, we fight for not only the injured but also for the families whose lives are turned upside down after a crash. Here’s what you need to know about loss of consortium claims in Arizona.

What Does 'Loss of Consortium' Mean?

“Loss of consortium” refers to the deprivation of the benefits of a family relationship caused by an accident injury. It goes beyond medical bills and lost wages, focusing instead on how the injury has damaged personal and emotional aspects of a marriage or family.

This may include:

• Loss of companionship and affection
  
• Loss of comfort and emotional support
  
• Loss of intimacy in a marriage
  
• Inability to share in household responsibilities
  
• Impact on parenting and family life
  

These claims recognize that when someone is severely injured, their loved ones suffer, too.

Who Can File a Loss of Consortium Claim in Arizona?

Under Arizona law, a spouse is the primary person eligible to file a loss of consortium claim. In some cases, children of the injured person may also bring claims if their parent’s injury affects their relationship.

For example:

• A spouse may pursue damages if their partner’s accident-related injuries prevent intimacy or shared daily life.
  
• A child may pursue damages if a parent can no longer provide guidance, care, or companionship.
  

When Loss of Consortium Applies

Not every car accident case qualifies. Loss of consortium is typically reserved for serious, life-altering injuries, such as:

• Traumatic brain injuries
  
• Spinal cord injuries or paralysis
  
• Severe burns or disfigurement
  
• Amputations
  
• Wrongful death
  

In short, the injury must significantly impact the family relationship in a measurable way.

How Courts Value Loss of Consortium

Unlike medical bills, there’s no receipt or invoice for companionship and love. Courts and juries in Arizona consider factors such as:

• The severity and permanence of the victim’s injuries
  
• The strength of the marital or family relationship before the accident
  
• Testimony from spouses, children, and sometimes medical experts
  
• The daily impact of the injuries on family life
  

Because these damages are non-economic, they can be highly subjective and require skilled legal advocacy.

Challenges in Loss of Consortium Claims

Insurance companies often push back against loss of consortium claims, arguing that:

• The injuries weren’t severe enough to justify damages
  
• The relationship was already strained before the accident
  
• Emotional harms are too “intangible” to compensate
  

At Big Auto, we know how to counter these arguments with compelling evidence and testimony that show the real impact on families.

Wrongful Death and Consortium Claims

In fatal car accidents, loss of consortium becomes especially important. Surviving spouses and children may seek damages for the loss of love, companionship, guidance, and support that the deceased would have provided.

These claims recognize that wrongful death affects more than finances — it changes family life forever.

Why Legal Representation Matters

Loss of consortium claims are deeply personal and legally complex. An experienced attorney can:

• Evaluate whether a claim is appropriate for your case
  
• Gather testimony and evidence to prove family impact
  
• Present your story effectively to insurers, judges, or juries
  
• Ensure damages are not undervalued or overlooked
  

At Big Auto, we approach these cases with compassion and strength, ensuring families receive recognition for the full scope of their losses.

Contact Big Auto Accident Attorneys

A devastating car accident affects more than the injured person — it changes the lives of everyone who loves them. If your family has suffered because of someone else’s negligence, you may have the right to pursue a loss of consortium claim.

Call Big Auto Accident Attorneys in Arizona today for a free consultation. We’ll explain your options, fight for your rights, and stand by your family every step of the way.

Your family doesn’t have to face this alone. Contact Big Auto now — our team is available 24/7, and you pay nothing unless we win.

Content reviewed by managing attorney, Nic Edgson. Nic has been an Arizona-licensed lawyer for more than a decade and focuses his law practice on helping people seriously injured in car accidents and truck accidents. He has represented thousands of clients and recovered more than $50 Million Dollars fighting for their injuries and medical bills. Throughout his legal career, Nic has helped those injured through some of the most difficult times in their lives.